Douse Excited for Future at Georgia Tech

By BJ BennettSouthernPigskin.com

Throughout the recruiting process, the latest offer, for Douse, was the one he was hoping for.

“

The balance that Georgia Tech offers with academics and athletics, you really can't beat that down here in the southeast.

~D'Quan Douse

As student-athletes go through the recruiting process, a number of different factors are considered. Ultimately, players hope for an option that meets their academic and athletic needs, while also serving as a home away from home. Savannah's D'Quan Douse has found his perfect fit. The Calvary Day defensive end made his decision official on Thursday, picking Georgia Tech as his future destination. Douse, listed at 6'3'', 242 pounds, will bring more than just a dynamic skill set to the Yellow Jackets.

Many schools were in pursuit of Douse, including the likes of Central Florida, Kentucky and South Florida. An accomplished student, he also had offers from Navy and multiple Ivy League schools. Douse, in total, has 22 offers as a highly-regarded class of 2019 defender. Most services have him listed as a three-star prospect. Southern Pigskin's Barry Every has Douse pegged as a "Top 25 South Georgia" talent.

Douse comes from a winning program as Calvary Day has gone 29-6 over the past three seasons. He is teammates with current Duke pledge Sayyid Stevens. Former Cavaliers currently playing FBS football include Army offensive lineman Alex Herndon, Clemson tight end Milan Richard and North Carolina State defensive end Tyrone Riley. End Nolan Smith, regarded by some as the top prep prospect in the country, began his career at Calvary Day before transferring to IMG Academy.

Throughout the recruiting process, the latest offer, for Douse, was the one he was hoping for.

"Georgia Tech has been a school I have been waiting on ever since the Junior Day I attended. So when coach Owens called me this past Monday, I knew," Douse explained. "I had been talking to my family, it was a quick decision. It was close enough where I can have family over, come to the games and then the academics there are outstanding. Then there's ACC football. I'm just grateful for the opportunity."

In terms of picking the Yellow Jackets, Douse's decision was a multi-faceted one. Thorough considerations were undoubtedly made. The chance to play big-time college football, suiting up for a team that won the Orange Bowl not long ago, was appealing. So, too, was the idea of attending one of the nation's most highly-regarded institutions. Correspondingly, Georgia Tech was the complete package.

When Douse, still entering his senior season of high school, looks ahead, he sees more than just the playing field.

"The balance that Georgia Tech offers with academics and athletics, you really can't beat that down here in the southeast," he nodded. "That definitely played a big part in my decision."

Success in the classroom has long been a leading priority for Douse.

"It's extremely important. When it comes down to my family, my mom holds high standards, my dad holds high standards for us, me and my brother. Me being the last one, knowing that I can carry the tradition of great academics, it feels good," he added.

On the field, Douse is a forceful talent. Some project him as a defensive end, while others see him as a linebacker at the next level. Douse is a strong, sturdy defender who plays with great leverage and instincts. He also brings an athleticism and explosiveness to the line of scrimmage that demands constant attention. There is a clear skill set, one that is poised to translate well to the college game.

With Georgia Tech switching to a new 3-4 defensive scheme, Douse, looking ahead, is the type of player who could fill a couple of different roles.

"I'm extremely smart, I have a high IQ level and then I'm powerful," he detailed of his traits as a player. "I can hold down that edge and then I have a great get-off and can pass-rush whenever I need to."

A potential banner senior season still awaits for Douse, but the recruiting process is now over and complete. Opportunities in the state capital lie ahead. Amongst a number of notable possibilities, Georgia Tech, for this student-athlete, makes the most sense. Douse has thought about joining the Yellow Jackets for a while; soon enough, he will.

Recruiting in the rear-view, Douse is focused on his immediate future. Calvary Day boasts a talented football team, one with goals that are well-defined. Douse, as a respected leader, will be key in leading the Cavaliers forward. With title games held in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Douse just might make an early trip to Atlanta before moving in for good in mid-town.

"Me and my teammates expect to wreck havoc this year," he concluded. "We have high expectations: an undefeated season. We're looking to get that single-A private school championship."

Douse is the first defensive end commitment for Georgia Tech's 2019 class.